Impact of Acute (Poly)Phenol-Rich Sugarcane Extract Consumption on Postprandial Glycemic Response in Healthy Adults: A Randomized Crossover Study

TL;DR

This study found that sugarcane extract had minor effects on blood sugar and insulin levels in healthy people, with some enzyme activity changes.

Contribution

The study explores the acute effects of sugarcane (poly)phenol-rich extract on postprandial glucose and insulin responses in healthy adults.

Findings

PRSE had minor impact on postprandial glucose and insulin levels in healthy volunteers.

Low-dose PRSE delayed insulin peak by 30 minutes without altering HOMA-IR.

PRSE inhibited α-glucosidases in vitro but enhanced α-amylase activity.

Abstract

Background: Effects on insulin sensitivity and postprandial glycemia through enzyme inhibition and regulation of glucose transport have been extensively researched; however, the role of sugarcane (poly)phenols remain underexplored. Methods: In a randomized, placebo-controlled, single-blinded crossover study, 12 healthy participants consumed a bread-based meal containing 50 g of carbohydrates, supplemented with either 0.5% or 5% liquid PRSE or sugar-balanced controls. Glucose and plasma insulin levels were assessed over 180 min. The extract was evaluated for its inhibitory effect on human α-amylases (salivary and pancreatic) and α-glucosidases (sucrase, maltase, and isomaltase) utilizing solid PRSE. Results: The postprandial glucose and insulin responses to bread sandwiches in healthy volunteers remained unchanged by both PRSE dosages. High-dose treatment reduced the Matsuda index by 9.8%, perhaps due to a subtle alteration in whole-body insulin sensitivity. Low-dose intervention postponed the insulin peak by 30 min without altering HOMA-IR. In vitro, PRSE diminished sucrase activity by 67% (IC50 = 425.8 ± 18.7 µg/mL) and lowered maltase and isomaltase activity by 40% (IC25 = 876.3 ± 131 and 960.6 ± 95.2 µg/mL, respectively). It enhanced the activity of human salivary and pancreatic α-amylases. Conclusion: In healthy people, acute PRSE supplementation had a minor impact on postprandial glucose and insulin levels. Low-dose PRSE postponed the insulin peak, whereas high-dose PRSE reduced Matsuda index potentially via α-amylase activation, suggesting a modest alteration in whole-body insulin sensitivity without significantly changing the glucose or insulin response. In vitro, PRSE exhibited modest inhibition of human α-glucosidases.

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